Random Pliana Shist

Twenty-first Entry

First Date                                
Ali lay on her back, staring at the sky. Half-Blood Hill had always been one of her favorite places to watch the stars.

A shooting star raced across the sky, making her smile.

"Woah." Percy breathed in amazement from his place beside her.

Her grin widened. "I told you it was breathtaking."

"That's the last time I ever doubt you." He chuckled.

After a short silence, he cleared his throat. "So... I was wondering... if you maybe... wanted to... you know... go on a..."

"Date?" Ali finished, tearing her gaze from the brilliant night sky.

"Yeah."

She grinned at his awkwardness. "So, this doesn't count as a date?"

"Of course it does." He stammered. "I'm just saying, we've never gone on a date."

"Are you inviting me to dinner, Percy Jackson?"

"Uhh... yes?"

Ali's smile fell. "We're at war, Percy. Is this really the best time to go on a date?"

"Yes." He held. "If we can't keep living our lives because we're afraid of a fight, he's already won."

"Well, Water Boy." She rested her hand on the ground between them. "I guess you can be smart want to be."

Percy took her hand. "I guess Annabeth is rubbing off on me."

They both chuckled.

Percy drew a long breath. "So, Lady Breck, where would you like to go?"

Ali felt her smile widen. "Anywhere, as long as it's with you."
                                  *   *   *
"Really? Just a braid?" Cyprus complained for the hundredth time. "Can't you do something different or exciting?"

"Hey." Ali protested. "I'm wearing a dress and heels. You won't get much more exciting than that."

"Fine." Cyprus rolled her eyes. "At least let me look at you."

Ali sighed and stood up, facing the dryad. She wore a gradient silver dress. The knee-length dress faded from silver at the neckline to black at the edge of the skirt. It had small gems scattered across the black fabric like stars. She had short brown boots with crisscrossing strands of leathers connecting the toe to the heel. Her long black hair was woven into a simple braid over her left shoulder. Despite her protests, Cyprus had made her wear some makeup.

Now, the dryad was struggling to hold back a squeal of delight. "Oh, you look... perfect."

Ali chuckled. "I'm glad to have your deal of approval, but I have to go or I'll be late."

Cyprus nodded, fighting back tears of joy. She was way too excited about this.
* * *
Percy pulled out her chair for her.

"A warrior and a gentlemen." Ali took her seat. "Who knew?"

Percy pushes in her chair and took his seat on the other side of the table.

"So," Ali clasped her hands and rested her elbows on the table. "What now?"

"I... don't know." He chuckled nervously. "I've never been on a date before."

"That makes two of us."

They talked for what seemed like hours. Percy enjoyed watching Ali's reaction to being in a restaurant. He thought her cluelessness about modern society was adorable.

As the meal ended, a band started playing on stage. There was an open area on the floor for dancing.

Percy rose sheepishly and offered her his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Ali carefully took his hand and stood, letting him lead her to the dance floor.

He placed one hand on her waist and held the other gently in his hand.

Ali met his gaze as he moved her free hand to the right spot. "You know I don't know how to do this."

"Don't worry." He whispered back. "I'll lead."

Ali caught on to the simple dance step pretty quickly and soon Percy was adding in twirls and dips.

She chuckled as they retreated back to their table. "Where did you learn to dance like that?"

He couldn't stop smiling as he replied. "My mom taught me."

Ali's heart sank at the word. Mom. It reminded her of Artemis. There was a spark of anger simmering beneath the surface, but Ali Burris's it and forced a smile. "Well, your mother is an amazing woman."

Percy's smile widened. "I know."
* * *
Ali held Percy's hand as they walked up Half-Blood Hill towards Thalia's tree.

The stars glittered above with the almost full moon.

Percy swing their arms back and forth like a child would do to their parent.

They reached the apex of the hill and stood beneath the towering pine shielding camp.

"Well," Percy looked up at the sky. "Chiron's gonna kill us."

Ali chuckled. "Probably."

Percy stared into her silver-blue eyes. They seemed to glow as bright as the stars.

Ali sighed. "Well, I should get back to my cabin. Cyprus is probably dying to hear about this." She planted a quick kiss on his cheek and turned to leave.

Percy grabbed her wrist and spun her to face him. "You didn't think you'd get away without a goodnight kiss, did you?" He caressed her cheek and pulled her into real kiss.

They slowly pulled apart, gazing into each other's eyes.

"Well," Ali cleared her throat. "Goodnight, Water Boy."

Percy have a little bow. "Until tomorrow, My Lady."

Ali playfully shoved him then turned and walked down the hill, hoping he hadn't noticed her blushing.
________________________________

What's this? A Pliana chapter that isn't sad?

Okay, time to explain. So, in my mind Ali doesn't leave camp right after being claimed. She spends a month or two trying to deal with all the resentment she holds for Artemis. She finally snaps at the end of the summer and that's when she leaves.

So, this happens in that time between her being claimed and her leaving.

Also, maybe some of you noticed the Easter egg I put in "Dancing with Death" for this. 😏

Hope that makes sense and you enjoyed this little one shot. 😁

Until next time, my shippers.
-Cheshire